Tag Archives: President

This has been the craziest summer I have ever had. I did a couple of presentations, went to SpaceCamp, visited the White House, saw the final shuttle launch, traveled with my family, and through it all have been continuing my doctoral coursework. I think I literally blinked and it’s over. I’m ready though. A new year is here. I’m thinking of ways to make this the best school year ever. I don’t want to take any of my summer experiences for granted, nor have them be a waste of time. Each one of them taught me something. As I start the year, I’m thinking about how to make it a great one. So, what did I learn on my summer vacation?

1.) Final Shuttle Launch: “Teach this year like it’s going to be your last.” Watching the final launch and the final landing of the space shuttle taught me to teach this year like this is it. Don’t wait to take that risk and try something new. Just go for it. Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way, find them.

2.) White House:“Accept that there are things you cannot change, and stop complaining about them.” As I listened to President Obama answers questions from all over the world, I realized how many problems and issues there really are in our country. There are things everyday in our world, and schools, that we cannot change. But, we have full control over ourselves. This year I’m going to seek to learn and improve myself. It’s really the only thing you have full control over, right?

3.) Space Camp: “Set your alarm everyday to get up an inspire kids.” It doesn’t matter WHAT is on your lesson plan if you you’re not there to inspire kids. Find out what they love to learn about, support them, mentor them, help them. Provide experiences where they can struggle and help them find their way.

4.) Doctoral Studies: “Be open, be honest, be authentic.” After ten years in education, and lots and lots of classes, I’m having authentic discussions about ‘change’ with some amazing people in my cohort and realizing that change IS possible. But, it’s not going to happen without difficult discussions. It’s not going to be some magic-wand experience where everything gets better. It’s going to take some open, real dialogue. So, don’t be afraid of it, embrace it, listen to others, share your thoughts, and make a difference.

5.) Twitter: “Never underestimate the power of collaboration.” People you’ve never met are willing to help you. Learn to rely on others when you need to, and more importantly, learn to be there for others when they need you. Share. Collaborate. Truly collaborate. Open your door to the teachers you work with and open your door to the global community on Twitter.

7.) Reading. “Education is about Passion.” I read the book “Passion Driven Classroom” in June. I’m still thinking about it and what it means. I ‘m going to have discussions with my students in the fall about their passions. It’s also about embracing your own passions and sharing them with students. Telling kids about your hobbies just might inspire them to share theirs. Don’t overlook the value of learning what kids truly love to learn about. The passion driven classroom is one in which kids LEARN.

8.) Traveling with Family: ”I love my family.” They support me. They make me laugh. They are the reason I keep going.

I also learned that my dog loves pickles and was once again reminded that I truly love my job. I’m pretty sure those things have no relation to each other, but I also know that I am excited to make this the best school year ever.